The Atlanta Braves’ bullpen has faced significant struggles in recent weeks, but there’s now a glimmer of hope. In a much-anticipated move, veteran closer Craig Kimbrel has made his way back to the Braves after a stint in the minors, bringing with him an aura of optimism that the team desperately needed. His return couldn’t have come at a better time, and Braves’ manager Brian Snitker expressed a great sense of relief after the legendary closer’s return to the roster.
“Having a guy like Kimbrel back in the fold is huge for us,” Snitker said in a recent press conference. “He’s been a key part of this organization for years, and having him back really helps to solidify a lot of things we’ve been struggling with.”
Kimbrel, who originally made his mark with the Braves as one of the most dominant closers in MLB history, has been working his way back to form after a difficult season with the Baltimore Orioles last year. This season, he started with the Braves’ Double-A affiliate in Columbus, and after some impressive performances, he was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he continued to impress.
Despite his age and the rough ending to his time with Baltimore, Kimbrel’s return is seen as a pivotal moment for the Braves’ bullpen, which has lacked stability in recent weeks. Closer Raisel Iglesias has struggled to find consistency, and the team has found itself in too many extra-inning games, putting unnecessary pressure on the pitching staff.
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In the Braves’ most recent game, Kimbrel was a key figure in the bullpen’s success, allowing manager Brian Snitker to breathe a little easier. Kimbrel’s presence immediately elevated the team’s confidence. Snitker, who has been under increasing pressure as the season has gone on, now has a familiar face back in the mix to help anchor the bullpen.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of a season so far, especially early on when we started 0-7,” Snitker acknowledged. “But having Kimbrel back feels like a reset for us. The guy knows how to close games and bring energy to the team. It’s something we’ve been missing.”
Kimbrel, with his signature fastball and knee-buckling curveball, has long been a fan favorite in Atlanta. His return represents more than just a veteran pitcher coming back into a high-leverage role—it’s a reminder of the Braves’ historic success with the star closer. Kimbrel’s success has often been intertwined with the team’s own, as his powerful arm helped the Braves to several postseason appearances.
But beyond the tangible impact Kimbrel will have on the field, there’s also a significant psychological benefit. The Braves’ pitching staff, as well as their fans, will now feel the reassurance of having a trusted closer in a team full of young talent still trying to find their rhythm. The sense of stability that Kimbrel offers could provide just the boost the Braves need to finally turn the corner after their early season struggles.
Snitker has been working through various lineup and rotation changes all season, trying to figure out how best to deploy his team in what has been a turbulent year. Having Kimbrel back in the mix allows him to settle the bullpen and focus on the other moving parts of his roster. The decision to bring Kimbrel up was not just a strategic one but also a move rooted in sentiment, knowing the impact the closer can have both on the mound and in the clubhouse.
In addition to Kimbrel’s return, the Braves’ offense has begun to click into place. With Ronald Acuña Jr. continuing to dominate at the plate, and rookie standout Drake Baldwin making a name for himself, the Braves are beginning to show signs of the powerhouse team they were expected to be.
Kimbrel’s return marks a pivotal chapter in what has been a season full of challenges for the Braves. If he can return to his former All-Star form, the Braves may just have the piece they need to elevate their bullpen and get their season back on track.
As the Braves continue to claw their way back into contention, Kimbrel’s return may prove to be the catalyst for a successful run through the second half of the season. With a veteran presence in the bullpen, the Braves now look poised to contend once again in the National League, and Snitker’s confidence in his team has never been higher.
For now, the Braves, and their manager Brian Snitker, are breathing a little easier, knowing that the return of one of the game’s all-time great closers might just be the missing ingredient they needed.
